If You Are What You Eat, Does This Make Me A Gym Mat?

Credit: McDonalds.com / McDonal'ds McRib

McDonalds = unhealthy. This isn't new. 

What also isn't new is that the McDonalds McRib contains something called azodicarbonamide, or azobisformamicide, which is defined as a oderless and synthetic chemical. Does this surprise you? Well while I'm happy to inform you, it shouldn't. In fact, this chemical can unfortunately be found in a lot of breads, all over the menu, especially those in fast food restaurants (Subway, Burger King, KFC, McDonalds, just to name a few). Since chances are, you've already consumed the chemical, you might be inclined to check the list of ingredients on your packaged bread when you have the chance. 

What is this azodiwhatchacallit found in? Oh, I don't know...maybe shoe soles, yoga mats and other foamed products. Personally, this is not something I care to have in my body and think that the power of social media should spread the word to all these franchises of our disappointment. If they really cared about their customers, wouldn't they not add in "possibly harmful" chemicals? Oh, not so fast FDA. The U.S. government needs to also take responsibility like Europe and Australia has done to ban places all food products from containing chemicals like this. 

What are your thoughts on the issue and are you surprised? Leave a comment!



Sources:http://www.examiner.com/article/azodicarbonamide-another-reason-to-avoid-most-breadhttp://www.azfamily.com/news/McRib-contains-same-chemical-in-yoga-mats-170851661.htmlhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZUxIkxTf68&feature=g-u-u

Arizona Jewels Manicure

Turquoise and Silver Conversation Starting Manicure

With spring comes fresh concepts. I only really care about fashion in the Spring because of the splattering of colors that arise out of a dreary and long winter. Manicures are another way of adding a statement to your wardrobe. Inspired by this link, I attempted a turquoise and silver manicure that is designed to turn heads.

Process:

1. Apply a base coat after filing nails into perfect shape. Paint entire nail turquoise. Use two coats for a bold color. Let dry.
2. Take tin foil and cut into right angles that are about the same size and will fit on your nail.
3. Use top coat as an adhesive to make the tin foil stick to your nails and then put a thick layer of top coat to finish it off. File off any access tin foil for a flawless look. 

Best Breakfast Ever.

How healthy and delicious does that look?

Goes to show breakfast doesn't need many ingredients to be good for you and look good.

Vegan Chicken Salad

So. Good.

In the city my college is located, we have a delicious vegan cafe called "Strong Hearts." I'll go with my friends to get the fantastic milkshakes when we feel stressed out from class. They also have such an amazing "fake chicken salad" that costs much more than it should. So Shaina and I went out to make the meal from scratch. Not only did it fill me up, but for about $17, I got 4 lunches out of it! I plan on making this all the time.

Ingredients:
-Pre-cooked Seitan
-Carrots and Celery by the stalk
-Veganaise
-Salt/Pepper
-Optional: Celery Seed
(THATS IT!)




Preparation:
1. Chop up seitan into very thin bits. Think the size of the pieces in actual chicken salad

2. Julienne and chop up carrots and celery into small chunks. Combine seitan and veggies in a bowl.

3. Spoon veganaise into the mixture slowly. Taste test and continue to add until you enjoy the ratio.
4. Add in salt/pepper/celery seed.
5. Serve alone or in a sandwich! Store the rest into a container for tomorrow...if it lasts that long.

New Shoes!

My Asics Gel Kayano 17

Running is a huge part of my life so when a year goes by and it's time for a new pair, I take the process very seriously. 

Each foot it created differently so personally the Nike shoes are too narrow for me, but shoes like Asics and New Balance sneakers are better for my wide foot.

When I picked up these shoes, I was surprised with how light they were. All of the weight was in the heel of the shoe, which is really important to absorb shock and keep from damaging your hips and legs. They came in pink, blue, or this awesome green. In addition, there are these little holes everywhere, making this shoe incredibly breathable. 

I've only worn them once to try the size out and was very happy. Of course, it takes about 3 sessions to break in a shoe so I did get an awkward blister under my big toe. But I can't wait to break these bad boys in even more.

Happy running!

16 Handles

I just had 16 Handles for the first time and it was delicioussss

but...

While the eurotart was spectacular and only 70 calories per 1/2 cup, I found Pinkberry's tart yogurts to be superior and more plentiful in flavors (you haven't lived until you've tried the pomegranate or watermelon). But I loved the alternative flavors like red velvet and graham cracker. The toppings were unlimited as well (rainbow cookies!). So glad I finally made it down to one of the few stores in NYC.

And maybe it’s a bad thing to self serve myself…hard to limit my toppings. Pity.

Farmer's Market

I woke up around 8:30 in the morning to drive over to the farmer's market held in my town. I never went to ours before so it was exciting to see all of the fresh and naturally grown veggies, fruit, plants and more.

Look at the beautiful fresh vegetables!

Everything was so fresh because they were picked this morning. And very reasonably priced!

Heirloom tomatoes can be the most ugly yet most unique vegetables!

I ended up getting some broccoli, tomatoes, corn, beans, kale and fresh lettuce with the roots still attached. Can't wait for dinner!!

If your town has a farmer's market, check it out! You'll save money, get fresh and organic, and you'll be supporting local farmers who deserve our money!